Discovery Bay Press 07.29.16

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Vol. 14, No. 31

YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

School districts to teach LGBT curriculum by Amy Schrader Correspondent

Public schools in Contra Costa County and the state are one step closer to adding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) curriculum into the classrooms. On July 14, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, announced that the State Board of Education voted to approve the history and social sciences framework for California Public Schools, which will update and upgrade history and social-science instruction in California. The framework adds information about civic learning; financial literacy; voter education; genocide; and the contributions of LGBT Americans and people with disabilities to the history of California and

the U.S. “This is a big win for our students,” said Torlakson. “It will give our students access to the latest historical research and help them learn about the diversity of our state and the contributions of people and groups who may not have received the appropriate recognition in the past.” The framework provides guidance to teachers, administrators and publishers, as well as necessary curriculum changes, including references to LGBT Americans, which will be woven throughout history and social science curriculum. According to curriculum framework prepared for the State Board of Education meeting on July 13 and 14, when second-grade see LGBT page 30

Smooth landing

by Dawnmarie Fehr Correspondent

Harvesting A Healthy Life

Photo by Tony Kukulich

J

ordan Stern drifts in for a soft landing following a Sunday afternoon jump at the Byron Airport. The airport is a popular spot for hang gliding enthusiasts who enjoy a bird’s eye view of East County.

This week, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) issued a warning to Discovery Bay residents and visitors to stay out of the private bays and waters around the Delta community, due to the appearance of a

“ The blooms will go away in time. Until they do, we need people to stay away from the water and not come in contact with it. Dogs and little kids in particular are susceptible.

Sue McConnell, CVRWQCB potentially dangerous algae called cyanobacteria. The blue-green algae blooms have the appearance of scum floating in and on the water, and may be hazardous to people and their pets. Due to complaints made to the county by local residents, water in some of the private bays was tested on July 22, and in the marina

on July 26, and field tests indicated the water might contain the toxins. Samples have been sent to state and federal labs in Richmond for further testing to determine bloom concentrations. Results are expected back next week. According to a press release from the CCHS, exposure to bluegreen algae can cause rashes, skin

and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset and other illnesses. At high levels, exposure can result in serious illness or death, according to the California Department of Public Health. Dogs are especially vulnerable, and there have been several reports through the years of dogs dying following exposure. Sue McConnell, a board section chief at the CVRWQCB, urges people to avoid coming in contact with the water for the time being. “The blooms will go away in time,” McConnell said. “Until they do, we need people to stay away from the water and not come in see Algae page 30

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A New Hero Among Us

Former Brentwood resident Brandon Gruber honored by “People”magazine. Page 4

Residents urged to stay out of water Potentially toxic bluegreen algae being tested

July 29, 2016

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Last chance to donate school supplies to military families approaches.

Healthy, organic and delicious food options are available right here in East County. Page 12

Off To The Little Leagues

Oakley umpire Roger Buhlis tapped for Little League World Series. Page 21 Calendar................................31 Classifieds.............................25 Cop Logs................................29 Entertainment.....................11 Food........................................10 Health & Beauty..................19 Milestones..............................8 Opinion..................................20 Pets.........................................18 Sports.....................................21

AB 2654

go to news/press releases Sen. Bonilla’s AB 2654 was recently signed into law by the Governor Brown.


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